Remotely actuatable portable fire suppression apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable fire suppression apparatus containing a fire suppressant is provided for use in relatively confined areas such as engine compartments and restaurant ventilation hoods and the like. A suppressant outlet on the suppression apparatus is sealed by a rupturable element that can be fractured upon a selectively, manually controlled command for instantaneously releasing the fire suppressant. A suppressant distributor head is affixed to the outlet to effect a suppressant spray pattern. The distributor head is adapted to position and hold in close proximity to the rupturable element an electrically activated gas generating device for fracturing the rupturable element, either directly by a detonator or a piercing element shifted by the gas generator.

[ 1 Oct. 2, 1973 REMOTELY ACTUATABLE PORTABLE FIRE SUPPRESSION APPARATUS[75] Inventors: Lester L. Fike, Sr.; Lester L. Fike,

Jr., both of Blue Springs, Mo.

[73] Assignee: Fike Metal Products Corporation,

Blue Springs, Mo.

22 Filed: Nov. 12, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 198,344

[52] US. Cl. 169/28, 169/31 R [51] Int. Cl A62c 35/02 [58] Field ofSearch 169/2 A, 28, 31 R,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,552,495 1/1971 Fiero169/28 2,436,364 2/1948 McDowell 169/28 X 1,708,869 4/1929 Buddecke169/28 3,515,217 6/1970 Jamison 169/28 X 3,467,120 9/1969 Hill et al220/89 A 2,924,280 2/1960 Carter et al.... 169/31 R 2,724,616 11/1955Biginelli 169/31 R X 2,496,160 l/1950 Hesson 169/31 R 3,088,478 5/1963Schimnel 220/89 A X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 910,346 6/1946France 169/28 Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. AssistantExaminerJohn J. Love Attorney-Gordon D. Schmidt et al.

[57] ABSTRACT A portable fire suppression apparatus containing a firesuppressant is provided for use in relatively confined areas such asengine compartments and restaurant ventilation hoods and the like. Asuppressant outlet on the suppression apparatus is sealed by arupturable element that can be fractured upon a selectively, manuallycontrolled command for instantaneously releasing the fire suppressant. Asuppressant distributor head is affixed to the outlet to effect asuppressant spray pattern. The distributor head is adapted to positionand hold in close proximity to the rupturable element an electricallyactivated gas generating device for fracturing the rupturable element,either directly by a detonator or a piercing element shifted by the gasgenerator.

3 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PAIENIEW'Z 3.762.479

SHEET 10F 3 ].\'\/E.,\"TORS. Lester L. Fike 6r. BY Lester 1.. Pike Jr.

IVEYS.

REMOTELY ACTUATABLE PORTABLE FIRE SUPPRESSION APPARATUS This inventionrelates to an improved portable fire extinguisher or suppressionapparatus that is capable of being instantaneously activated, preferablymanually as opposed to activation via an automatic sensing device, andadapted particularly for use in relatively confined areas such as theengine compartments of boats, aircraft and racing cars, although its useis not limited to the specific applications mentioned.

The apparatus of this invention is particularly suitable wheninstantaneous release of a fire suppressant is desired in areas such asthe engine compartment of a car or the bilge of a boat which tends tofill with fumes from the engine. Although boat bilge areas for example,usually have blowers which should be run approximately 30 seconds toclear the area of fumes before the engine is started, they often are notrun, and consequently a high degree of possibility exists for a flashexplosion as the boat engine is started. It is, therefore, highlydesirable that a fire suppression apparatus be provided which can bemanually activated to cause the suppressant contained therein to beinstantaneously released before the fire can get out of hand. Arelatively small apparatus is desired due to the confined and crowdedconditions generally found in such compartments.

Fire suppression apparatus commonly used in the above-mentionedapplications usually contain a halogenated flurocarbon composition andhave either mechanical, hand-operated valves, or solenoid controlledvalve units. One of the primary disadvantages of such valves is theinability to adequately seal the apparatus and prevent the leakage thatoccurs when liquefied gas compositions are used. Thus, if propermaintenance procedures are not followed, there is the distinctpossibility that the apparatus would be inoperable at the time of need,due to the aforementioned leakage.

It is, therefore, the primary object of this invention to provide aselectively operable fire suppression apparatus that is hermeticallysealed so that a full suppressant charge is indefinitely maintained andits reliability thereby maintained until operator actuation is initiatedfor release of the suppressant.

It is another important object of this invention to provide a firesuppression apparatus that can be manually, selectively, remotely andinstantaneously activated.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a firesuppression apparatus that is sufficiently compact that it can be storedin a relatively small area.

A still further important object of our invention is to provide aportable fire suppression apparatus that can be readily relocated anddoes not need to be permanently installed.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a firesuppression apparatus of the characteristics described which lendsitself to use of a suppressant that creates a low level of visionobscuration when activated, mixed rapidly with air, is free ofparticulate residue, has a low toxicity level, and readily penetratesblocked or baffied spaces.

It is yet further an important object of the invention to provide a firesuppression apparatus that can be fitted with a variety of suppressantdistribution heads for optimum area coverage.

A still further important object of the invention is to provide a firesuppression apparatus that utilizes a suppressant release means that isnot subject to corrosion and deterioration with its resultant leakageproblems.

Yet another important object of our invention is to provide a manuallyactuatable fire suppression apparatus that will automatically activatein the event a fire breaks out in an unattended vehicle or area.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of aremotely actuatable portable fire suppression apparatus made inaccordance with our present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed, fragmentary, enlarged, longitudinal, sectionalview thereof showing particularly the outlet end;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a vertical, cross sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a modified form of the firesuppression apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a detailed, longitudinal, vertical section of the modifiedform illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a detailed, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical sectional viewof a fire suppression apparatus showing an alternate distributor head;

FIG. 8 is a detailed, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical, sectionalview of a fire suppression apparatus showing yet another modification ofan alternate distributor head;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view showing the rupture disc as used andillustrated in FIGS. 2, 6 and 7;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of still another embodiment of thefire suppression apparatus showing another form of distributor head forthe fire suppression apparatus;

FIG. 1 1 is a detailed, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical, partiallybroken away view of the distributor head illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a detailed, fragmentary, longitudinal, vertical, partiallybroken away view of a modified form of rupturable element anddistributor head similar to FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a detailed, longitudinal, vertical, sectional view showing anelement puncturing projectile as used with the distributor headillustrated in FIGS. 10-12; and

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of a rupturable element asillustrated in FIG. 12.

Referring initially to the preferred embodiment of our inventionillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the remotely actuatable, portablefire suppression apparatus shown therein and broadly designated by thenumeral 20, is adapted to be mounted upon and secured to a support 22 byuse of a strap 24 and fastener assemblies 26 encompassing a firesuppressant containing pressure receptacle 28.

Fire suppression apparatus 20 is intended for use primarily with aliquefied, normally gaseous extinguishing agent such as a halogenatedflurocarbon composition. The low level of visual obscuration, rapidmixture with air, low toxicity and lack of particulate residue are allproperties that make this composition preferable over othersuppressants. This composition is effective with Class A (cellulosicmaterial); Class B (flammable liquid); and Class C (electrical) fires.The combination of the extinguishing agent, the functional applicationsuch as racing vehicles, inboard motorboats, airplanes, etc.

and the actuating means hereinafter described, establish theconvenience, reliability and adaptability of the present invention.

Receptacle 28 has an internally threaded, tubular outlet 32 extendingthrough and welded to wall 30 thereof. An externally threaded outletextension 34 is threaded into outlet 32 and has a conduit or passage 36extending longitudinally of the same with one end 38 thereof in opencommunication with the interior of receptacle 28. Opposite end 40 ofpassage 36 is closed by a rupturable element or membrane 42. Membrane 42is a relatively thin, frangible diaphragm characterized by the qualityof being resistant to rupture until a predetermined pressure isexceeded, but will undergo rupture upon application of a force theretoabove the pressure for which it was designed. Membrane 42 is furtherdistinguished by the circular, concavo-convex, domeshaped configurationof the central portion thereof. The membrane is positioned over end 40of extension 34 with its concave face 44 in direct facing relationshipto the interior of conduit 36 and receptacle 28.

An explosive charge such as a Primacord strip 48 is located on the outeror convex face 50 of membrane 42. A selectively actuatable elementrupturing means 52 in the nature of an electrically operable detonatingcomponent or detonator of a kind readily available and in common usageis provided for detonating the strip 48 upon command. Membrane 42 isadditionally provided with a score line 49 (FIG. 9) to establish apredetermined area of rupture which causes the membrane 42 to rupturewith a minimum of fragmentation. The score line, which can be made ofany desired depth during fabrication of the disc 42, also establishes apredetermined limit on the pressure which will be tolerated by themembrane before it undergoes internal tank pressure initiated rupture.Strip 48 is longitudinally aligned with score line 49.

A distributor head 54 is coupled to outlet extension 34 in juxtaposed,overlying relationship to membrane 42 as best shown in FIG. 2. Head 54is provided with orifice means 56 for controlling the direction anddischarge pattern of the suppressant when it is released past rupturableelement 42. Certain of the orifice means 56 define a chamber 58 alignedwith the outlet 32, conduit 36 and membrane 42. Certain other orifices56 define a series of elongated passages 60 which communicate withchamber 58 and serve as suppressant discharge vents, while another ofthe passages 62 receives detonator 52. Passage 62 and detonator 52 arelocated so that end 53 thereof is in abutting engagement with explosivestrip 48. The wires 55 leading from a remote capacitor dischargecircuit, including an actuating switch and source of electricity, extendto detonator 52 and are preferably twisted to present a coiled stretch55a to bias the detonator body into firm, contacting relationship toexplosive strip 48. Chamber 58 is operable to contain any fragmentsresulting from the rupturing of membrane 42, thereby preventing suchfragments from being projectiles in the adjacent area.

The discharge vents 60 extend radially outwardly from chamber 58 inspaced, angular relationship to one another and have their outerextremities diverging as the conical, outer face 64 of distributor head54 is approached. The foregoing configuration permits the suppressant tobe distributed in a generally cone-shaped spray pattern.

A pair of axially aligned, opposed, tapered, threaded openings 66 areprovided through wall 68 of outlet extension 34 for receiving a pressuregauge assembly 70 and a fill valve and cap unit 72. Pressure gauge 70and fill valve 72 can be of any type that is commonly and readilyavailable for use in conjunction with a liquefied suppressant of thetype described above.

In operation, the apparatus 20 is first charged via fill valve 72 to apredetermined pressure with a suppressant gas such as halogenatedfluorocarbon fire suppressant composition. A typical suppressant isbromotrifluoromethane, which for example, is marketed by E. I. DuPont DeNemours & Co. as Freon FE 1301. Generally, a quantity of from 2 to 5pounds of suppressant is used per charge, although a larger amount maybe employed, depending upon the application and size of apparatus 20.The membrane 42 is designed to withstand the pressure exerted by thesuppressant as long as said suppressant remains below its criticaltemperature. Utilization of such a membrane is desirable in the presentinvention because of the use of an electrically activated detonator 52which permits selective rupture of membrane 42 upon command. Althoughthe explosive effect of detonator 52 is normally adequate to causemembrane 42 to rupture, the addition of strip charge 48 adds a redundantfeature which insures the rupturing of element 42. The pressure rangeover which the present apparatus 20 is operable permits use thereof inmany different applications where the ambient temperature varies widely,as for example, in an engine compartment where temperatures may approachF. The range of temperature tolerance permitted by the membrane 42 alsois advantageous in that it will not rupture automatically unless thetemperature in the immediate area reaches a high enough level andremains at that level or higher for a period of time to increase thepressure of the suppressant to a point which causes auto-rupture of disc42. This permits the operator of the vehicle, whether it be a boat, arace car or the like, to maneuver to a more suitable location beforeactivating the apparatus 20 which very often kills the engine so thatmaneuvering power is lost immediately.

The detonator 52 is connected by means of a Jones plug (not shown)coupled to the vehicles electrical cir cuit which has a manuallycontrolled switch (also not shown) interposed for selectively actuatingthe component. The activating switch preferably is in the nature of apanic button located on the dashboard of the operators quarters andadjacent the ignition switch of the vehicle. When the operator of thevehicle observes the need for activating apparatus 20, he has merely tooperate the switch causing the detonator 52 to explode the charge strip48 which has been affixed to membrane 42. The coincident explosion ofdetonator 52 and charge strip 48 fractures membrane 42 along scored line49, instantly releasing the suppressant from receptacle 28. The escapingsuppressant exiting past element 42 is directed in a spray patterndictated by the position and location of discharge vents 60 in head 54.An automatic safety is incorporated in element 42 that is designed torupture without the aid of detonator 52 as soon as the suppressant inreceptacle 28 reaches its critical temperature and correspondingpressure which in the case of bromotrifluoromethane is 152.6 F. and560.2 p.s.i.g. respectively. For example, if a fire started in theengine compartment of an unattended boat the element 42 willautomatically rupture and release the suppressant as soon as the latterreaches its critical temperature and corresponding pressure, thusbypassing the need for manual activation of the detonator 52.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 10, we haveillustrated modified forms of the apparatus 20, identified by thenumerals 120 and 420, utilizing different distributor heads and showingan alternate location for the suppressant inlet. Inlet 174 is positionedin wall 130 of receptacle 128 oppositely of suppressant outlet 132, tobe more fully hereinafter described, which is similar to outlet 32 inthe preferred embodiment. Inlet 174 comprises a hollow tube 176 havingone end 178 in open communication with the interior of receptacle 128,and an opposite end 180 in open communication with a transverselylocated tube 182 which is provided with fill valve 72 at one end thereofand pressure gauge 70 at the opposite end.

Suppressant outlet 132, as best illustrated in FIG. 6, has membrane 42affixed directly to its outer end 184. Outlet 132 comprises an elongatedtube having an end 131 in direct open communication with the interior ofreceptacle 128. Opposite end 133 thereof is ofa nature to receivemembrane 42 on the outer extremity thereof. A modified suppressantdistributor head 154 is threaded directly to outlet 132 and contains achamber 158 aligned with end 133 of outlet 132 and with membrane 42. Aplurality of discharge vents 160 extend radially outwardly from chamber158 similar to that shown in the preferred embodiment. Vents 160 are ofa size and orientation relative to membrane 42 to permit the selectivepositioning of an alternate type detonating component 152 in adjacent,angular, offset relationship to membrane 42 and in axial alignment withscore line 49 to detonate the charge strip 48 upon command as describedpreviously. The location of the detonating component 152 in thisembodiment is to be further noted in that the discharge vents 160 can besubsequently threaded to serve as a passage 62 to receive component 152,thus permitting the head to be reused a number of times at least equalto the number of discharge vents 160. After each use of apparatus 120,it can be returned to the factory or a service center for replacement ofmembrane 42, recharging of the tank, and insertion of another detonatorin a newly tapped passage 160 in conjunction with removal of thepreviously fired detonator. The operation of the fire suppressionapparatus 120 is the same as that previously described with respect toapparatus 20. A further feature of this modification to be noted is theperpendicular relationship of the discharge vents 160 to the outerconical face 164 of distributor head 154.

FIG. 7 illustrates an additional modification of the instant inventionhaving a distributor head 254 with a different configuration of itsouter conical face 264 which presents a different profile. The ventpassages 160 therethrough are at a somewhat shallower angle relativelyso that the spray pattern of the suppressant is not as diffuse as is thecase with head 154. The operation of the apparatus is the same as thatdescribed immediately above.

FIG. 8 illustrates another modified discharge head 354. The outlet 232,rupturable element 42, and detonating component 152 are allsubstantially the same as previously described and need not be furtherenlarged upon. A discharge vent 360 is in axial alignment with outlet232 and membrane 42. External screwthreads 386 are provided ondistributor head 354 and surround discharge vent 360 for attachingadditional, directional and distribution control structure for thesuppressant as may be desired.

The adjacent, angular, offset location of dctonating component 152 asillustrated in FIGS. 5-8 is further distinguished from the preferredembodiment in that its offset relationship to membrane 42 permitsdetonator 152 to present minimal obstruction to the suppressant as it isreleased through outlet 132.

FIGS. 10-14 show yet another embodiment of our fire suppressionapparatus and in this case, broadly designated by the numeral420.'I-Iere again the distinguishing feature is distributor head 454 andits dctonating component 452. Outlet 432 is provided with acircumferentially positioned shoulder 488 at its outer extremity whichis surrounded by an internally threaded collar 490 for receivingdistributor head 454 and holding it in engagement with outlet 432.Distributor head 454 defines an L-shaped discharge path 492 incommunication with a dome-shaped, frangible membrane 442 covering end484 of outlet 432. An internally threaded collar 496 communicates withthe threads 486 on discharge head 454 for securing auxiliary nozzlemeans 494 to further directionalize the suppressant as it is released.Leg portion 498 is provided for supporting head 454 and is affixed tosupport 22.

Detonating component 452 is positioned within passage 462 in axialalignment with outlet 432. The component 452 comprises an electricallyactivated gas generator 500 of nature commonly known, a tubular,elongated collar 502 receiving such detonator, and a membrane puncturingprojectile 504 operated by generator 500 and provided with annular seals506 thereon engaging the inner surface of collar or sleeve 502 toprevent escape of gas therepast. End 508 of collar 502 receives andholds gas generator 500 while the opposite end 510 thereof defines acircumferentially, inwardly extending, annular flange 512. Projectile504 is in the shape of an elongated, cylindrical-shaped dart having ashank 154 with a sharp membrane penetrating point 516, and a flat,trailing end 518 terminating in a radially projecting flange 520perpendicular to shank 514. Ribs 522 surround shank 514 in spacedrelationship to flange 520 for retaining seals 506. Sharp forward point516 extends through and past the flange 512 in axial alignment withrupturable element 442 for puncturing element 442 when gas generator 500is activated. One of the ribs 522 serves to limit the axial shift ofprojectile 504 by engagement with flange 512. Ribs 522 and flange 512also position seals 506 so that they are interposed between projectile504 and collar 502 to retain the gas that is produced by gas generator502 as it thrusts projectile 504 forward into penetrating contact withelement 442. The axial shift of projectile 504 is shown by dotted linesin FIG. 11.

Still another alternate embodiment of the apparatus is disclosed in FIG.12 wherein rupturable element 542 is releasably held in position betweenoutlet 532 and head 554 for more ready replacement thereof. Element 542has a tapered portion 524 surrounding dome portion 526 and terminates ina circular, outer flange 528. Outlet 532 is similar to outlet 432 and isattached to head 554 in the same manner, but presents a tapered bore 530which cooperates with an externally tapered, threaded, wedge-shapedinlet 534 of head 554. Rupturable element 542 is thereby clamped betweenbore 530 and tapered inlet 534. Although apparatus 420 is nothermetically sealed in this embodiment, it is possible to replaceelement 542 in the field, thus eliminating the need for removal ofapparatus from its area of use for recharging once it has beenactivated. The remaining features of head 554 are the same as thosepreviously described and shown in FIGS. 10, l1 and 13.

In all respects, the use and end results attainable by use of thepreferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 apply equally to themodifications.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. Fire suppression apparatus comprising:

a receptacle for a pressurized fire suppressant and having a suppressantoutlet;

a dual inlet and outlet valve having an internal passage incommunication with said outlet and threaded means for the reception ofinlet means;

inlet means threadably attached to said threaded means and constructedto be selectively opened to allow pressurized fire suppressant to bedirected into said receptacle through the valve passage;

a relatively thin frangible diaphragm of circular, concavo-convexmetallic material and being scored on the convex face thereof, saidscored diaphragm being characterized by the property of offeringsufficient resistance to rupture under the pressure of the suppressantat temperatures and pressures thereof below the critical values thereofbut undergoing rupture upon application of a force thereto exceedingsaid pressure, said diaphragm being disposed in said cylindrical valvein a spaced, normally blocking relationship to said passagetherethrough, the concave face of said diaphragm being in direct facingrelationship to the interior of said receptacle; distribution meansthreadably mounted on said dual valve in aligned, juxtaposed,communicating relationship with said diaphragm blocked passage, andbeing provided with orifice means for controlling the direction anddischarge pattern of the suppressant released through said outlet; and aselectively actuatable detonating component threadably mounted in saiddistribution means and located in abutting relationship to saiddiaphragm. 2. A fire suppression apparatus as claimed in claim 1,wherein said orifice means includes a chamber in said distribution meansaligned with the outlet of the receptacle, said distribution means beingprovided with a conical, outer face and a plurality of discharge ventsextending in radial relationship outwardly from said chamber in spaced,angular relationship to one another with their outer extremitiesdiverging relatively whereby the suppressant is distributed in agenerally cone-shaped spray pattern.

3. In a fire suppression apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein saiddetonating component comprises an electrically activated detonator.

1. Fire suppression apparatus comprising: a receptacle for a pressurizedfire suppressant and having a suppressant outlet; a dual inlet andoutlet valve having an internal passage in communication with saidoutlet and threaded means for the reception of inlet means; inlet meansthreadably attached to said threaded means and constructed to beselectively opened to allow pressurized fire suppressant to be directedinto said receptacle through the valve passage; a relatively thinfrangible diaphragm of circular, concavoconvex metallic material andbeing scored on the convex face thereof, said scored diaphragm beingcharacterized by the property of offering sufficient resistance torupture under the pressure of the suppressant at temperatures andpressures thereof below the critical values thereof but undergoingrupture upon application of a force thereto exceeding said pressure,said diaphragm being disposed in said cylindrical valve in a spaced,normally blocking relatiOnship to said passage therethrough, the concaveface of said diaphragm being in direct facing relationship to theinterior of said receptacle; distribution means threadably mounted onsaid dual valve in aligned, juxtaposed, communicating relationship withsaid diaphragm blocked passage, and being provided with orifice meansfor controlling the direction and discharge pattern of the suppressantreleased through said outlet; and a selectively actuatable detonatingcomponent threadably mounted in said distribution means and located inabutting relationship to said diaphragm.
 2. A fire suppression apparatusas claimed in claim 1, wherein said orifice means includes a chamber insaid distribution means aligned with the outlet of the receptacle, saiddistribution means being provided with a conical, outer face and aplurality of discharge vents extending in radial relationship outwardlyfrom said chamber in spaced, angular relationship to one another withtheir outer extremities diverging relatively whereby the suppressant isdistributed in a generally cone-shaped spray pattern.
 3. In a firesuppression apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detonatingcomponent comprises an electrically activated detonator.